Sabellastarte Indica - Feather Duster - Indian fan worm

Sabellastarte indica, commonly known as the Indian fan worm or feather duster worm, is a marine polychaete worm in the family Sabellidae. Known for its graceful, feather-like crown, it is a fascinating and ecologically significant species often seen in tropical and subtropical marine environments.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Annelida
• Class: Polychaeta
• Order: Sabellida
• Family: Sabellidae
• Genus: Sabellastarte
• Species: Sabellastarte indica

Physical Description

• Body:

  • Encased in a soft, flexible, parchment-like tube that it builds from secreted mucus and sediments.
  • The body is segmented, but this is rarely visible as it is typically hidden within the tube.

• Radiolar Crown:

  • The most distinctive feature, composed of feather-like tentacles (radioles) arranged in a circular or semi-circular fan shape.
  • The crown is often vibrantly colored, displaying patterns in shades of red, brown, orange, white, or purple.
  • The crown functions in both feeding and respiration.

• Size:

  • The crown can extend up to 10 cm (4 inches) in diameter, while the worm's body may reach lengths of 20-30 cm (8-12 inches), mostly hidden in its tube.

Distribution and Habitat

• Geographic Range:

  • Found in the Indian Ocean and other tropical to subtropical regions of the Indo-Pacific.

• Preferred Habitat:

  • Inhabits coral reefs, rocky substrates, sandy or muddy bottoms, and man-made structures like piers or ship hulls.
  • Often found in shallow waters but can live at greater depths in suitable conditions.

Behavior and Ecology

• Filter Feeding:

  • Extends its radiolar crown to capture plankton and suspended organic particles from the water column.
  • Uses cilia on the radioles to transport captured food to its mouth.

• Respiration:

  • The radioles double as gills, facilitating gas exchange.

• Defense:

  • Retracts its crown rapidly into its protective tube when disturbed or sensing predators.

Reproduction

• Sexual Reproduction:

  • Gametes are released into the water column for external fertilization.
  • The larvae are planktonic and eventually settle on a substrate, where they grow and build their protective tubes.

• Regeneration:

  • Capable of regenerating lost parts, including damaged radioles or sections of the body.

Aquarium Care

• Lighting: Moderate; does not require intense light, but the aquarium should mimic its natural environment.
• Water Flow: Moderate to strong water currents to deliver food particles efficiently.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-27°C (75-81°F)
  • Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
  • Stable pH and low nutrient levels are critical.
• Feeding: Requires supplemental feeding with fine particulate foods, such as phytoplankton or marine snow.
• Tank Compatibility: Peaceful tank mates are essential, as it is a non-aggressive species and can be harmed by fish or invertebrates that pick at its crown.